Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Jan 21, 2008 06:57pm | #1

   Zinsser B-I-N, which is a shellac-based primer, is the best that I've found.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   JPierre | Jan 21, 2008 07:01pm | #2

   Thanks,I'll check if this product is available in Canada. If not I'll try to find something equivalent or import it!Thanks again,It a great community with no bordersJP

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 21, 2008 08:39pm | #3

   Bin is good, but if you can't find it or equivalent, you can use unpigmented shellac.  You can tell the equivalent product by recommendations to thin with alcohol or to clean brushes with either alcohol (methylated sprits I believe in your neck of the woods) or household ammonia.  Just apply, let it dry, and then repaint. 

2. 
   Jimurock | Jan 21, 2008 08:52pm | #4

   Yep, B.I.N. is widely available in Canada, at least in Ontario, in paint stores.  What isn't so available is Zinsser Sealcoat, though you can order it.  Following the advice of knowledgeable knotters, I've been using Sherwin-Williams Proclassic waterborne acrylic in place of latex, though in order to get that I had to go to the S-W contractors' outlet.

   Jim

2. 
   hammer1 | Jan 21, 2008 09:59pm | #5

   White pine is the first choice for exterior trim work here in Maine. Wipe the knots with paint thinner or turpentine to remove any sap and let dry. We spot prime knots, nail filler and other defects with two applications of either white pigmented shellac or a stain killing coating like BIN. After spot priming, we prime the entire surface with a good quality oil based primer. Top coat with two coats of your choice. We like acrylics.

   This won't seal every knot forever. Next time you paint, do it again.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   JPierre | Jan 21, 2008 10:17pm | #6

   Pine is also our first choice of wood for exterior trim work here in Québec. Great tip hammer1. Thanks a lot!Jean-Pierre
   Kingsbury, Québec

3. 
   bigfootnampa | Jan 21, 2008 10:49pm | #7

   When I run into particularly tough knots to cover I use a three pronged approach...  shellac sealer (B I N or sealcoat); oil base primer sealer (Kilz or other brands ); and acrylic cover coat.  Very few problem stains will persist through these steps and for those rare ones which do another round of the same is finis!  Most often I will use the sealers from spray cans because it is a superior way to cover and fast too.  I will sometimes brush where spray would be too messy.  If a knot has some cracks or pits I will fill them first with acrylic gel (I like Golden's "molding paste"). 

4. 
   Woodrat1 | Jan 23, 2008 08:15pm | #8

   I agree with most here. I've had very good luck
   with Zinser 1-2-3 pigmented shellac. I hit the knots
   2 - 3 times (dry time is very fast!) and then prime the
   entire piece.

   Also - knots will eventually show themselves - but
   it takes a while before they bleed through.

   Bill-

5. 
   mufti | Jan 23, 2008 08:26pm | #9

   Depending on the size and number of knots I sometimes just cut them out and plug. A bit of trouble, but it beats having to go over the same ground and knots that come loose are even worse. It depends on the aspect, full sun, shade and so on.

6. 
   blewcrowe | Jan 23, 2008 10:28pm | #10

   IMO, plain old dewaxed shellac.

7. 
   mike4244 | Jan 24, 2008 12:24am | #11

   Shellac, small knots one spray from a can. Large and porous knots a couple of spot sprays , let the first coat dry,usually under fifteeen minutes.Shellac will leave a shiny surface after painting if it is not scuffed with sandpaper ( 180 grit). I usually spray shellac on the entire piece. Then you do not need a prime coat.If you have a lot to do, spot spray then when dry scuff it lightly with sandpaper.Prime and finish coat.

   mike

1. 
   JPierre | Jan 24, 2008 01:06am | #12

   I'll go for shellac. I'm doing interior trim work in a old Victorian Cottage of mine and I want to match the plinth and other woodwork. Most of them are Pine. Some are painted (20 coats since 1858) some just varnished (shellack probably). In the new addition I painted Pine that was kiln dried. Polyprep oil primer and latex paint. But with all I read from all of you guys and «Thanks to all of you by the way», I'll go for multi-coats of shellac primer (Zimmer), easely available here in Québec, a good oil primer and latex paint!Great bunch! I'm proud of being part of a companionship like this one. Long Life to FWWJean-Pierre Maher
   Kingsbury (Québec)
   Canada

8. 
   JPierre | Jan 24, 2008 01:09am | #13

   Sorry,

   «Zinser» That is!!!

   Jean-Pierre

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jan 24, 2008 08:32pm | #14

   JPierre,

   I see you are just on the other side of Sherbrooke.  I have a summer cottage on a lake in St. Hermenegilde.  We've been to Sherbrooke & Coaticook many times!  Great stores and restaurants, but I like Quebec City the best, just a bit far away.

   Have fun here in Knots, they're a great bunch of folks to know.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

    

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   JPierre | Jan 24, 2008 09:18pm | #15

   Hi Bob,You're right. 25 miles from Sherbrooke. A great region as St. Hermenegilde too! The world is small as we say here! Québec city is the most beautiful city in the province and in the Country in my point of view! The old port, Le vieux Champlain, Rue St-Jean etc. And this year is the 400th anniversary of the city! There are a lot of activities and fun to have!Well, thanks for the mail,If you drop by Sherbrooke, email me before if you want to visit. Before June 'cause we're moving toward Hudson St-Lazare closer to Montreal with dogs and horses!J-Pierre